After hitting Japan back in July, Etrian Odyssey 4 is now winding up for a western release. Publisher Atlus today announced that it's localising the latest in the handheld RPG series for release on Nintendo 3DS in "early 2013."

The first 3DS entry in the series described by Atlus as "an enduring love letter to a bygone era" brings enemies into 3D for screen-popping action. It also adds new classes, skills, a Casual mode, and, you know, new things, like sequels often do.

"At the risk of sounding oxymoronic, we're proud to bring our fans the newest, most exciting old school CRPG throwback yet!" Atlus marketing king Aram Jabbari said in the announcement.

We've got a few screenshots and Atlus has a barebones website up.